EP3868934A1

EP3868934A1 - Connecting rod for a drive mechanism for a harness frame

Info

Publication number: EP3868934A1
Application number: EP20158476.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Joost Deseyne; Karim ASRIH
Original assignee: Picanol NV
Current assignee: Picanol NV
Priority date: 2020-02-20
Filing date: 2020-02-20
Publication date: 2021-08-25

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting rod for a drive mechanism for a harness frame of a weaving machine, the connecting rod comprising a profile (40) with a first end (42), and a connector (41) attached to the first end (42) of the profile (40), wherein the connector (41) comprises two lugs (51, 52), each lug (51, 52) having a plate-shaped distal section (54, 56) and a proximal section (55, 57), wherein the distal sections (54, 56) are aligned in parallel with one another and are arranged for coupling the connecting rod (11, 14, 20, 22) to an element (10, 12, 13, 21, 23) of the drive mechanism (3), wherein the proximal sections (55, 57) are at least partly connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the connector and together form a completely or at least partly circumferentially closed hollow structural part (50). The invention further relates to a drive mechanism for a harness frame of a weaving machine comprising such a connecting rod, and to a method for manufacturing such a connecting rod.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a connecting rod for a drive mechanism for a harness frame of a weaving machine, to a drive mechanism for a harness frame of a weaving machine comprising such a connecting rod, and to a method for manufacturing such a connecting rod.
As generally known, a shed forming device comprises several harness frames, which are moved up and down by means of a drive mechanism. For each harness frame, the drive mechanism comprises several connecting rods and levers via which the harness frame is coupled to a drive motor. In one embodiment several drive motors are provided, in particular one drive motor for each harness frame. In other embodiments, several or all harness frames are coupled to a common drive motor.
To allow for a weaving at high weaving speeds, and, thus, a movement of the harness frames with high speed and/or acceleration, connecting rods having a sufficient stiffness are necessary. On the other hand, a weight of the connecting rods, which are moved together with the harness frames, shall be kept small.
US 5,255,719 shows a connecting rod comprising a flattened tube and two connectors attached to either end of the flattened tube. Each connector comprises two lugs with a first section and a second section, wherein the first sections are arranged to allow assembly of a pivot intended for coupling of a corresponding lever. For a connection of the connector and the flattened tube, the second sections of the lugs are provided with two deformable blocking jaws, which penetrate inside the flattened tube and cooperate with spacer or expander screws accessible through perforations made in the wall of the flattened tube.
WO 2020/001784 A1 shows a connecting rod comprising a hollow profile with a first end, and a connector attached to the first end of the hollow profile, wherein the connector comprises two plate-shaped lugs, each lug having a first section and a second section, wherein the first sections project from the first end and are arranged for connecting the connecting rod to an element of the drive mechanism, and wherein the second sections each have an attachment surface, wherein each attachment surface is complementary in shape to a one long side of the hollow profile and being glued to said long side of the hollow profile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the invention to provide a rigid, light-weight connecting rod for a drive mechanism for a harness frame of a weaving machine. It is further the object of the invention to provide a method for manufacturing such a rigid, light-weight connecting rod for a drive mechanism for a harness frame of a weaving machine.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a connecting rod for a drive mechanism for a harness frame of a weaving machine is provided, which comprises an elongated profile with a first end, and a connector attached to the first end of the elongated profile, wherein the connector comprises two lugs, each lug having a plate-shaped distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal sections are aligned in parallel with one another and are arranged for coupling the connecting rod to an element of the drive mechanism, wherein the proximal sections are at least partly connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the connector and together form a completely or at least partly circumferentially closed hollow structural part.
By providing two lugs, which at their proximal sections are connected to each other in the circumferential direction, a stiff connector is provided, thereby ensuring that the distal sections remain aligned to each other when handling the connector, in particular when attaching the connector to the elongated profile. The distal sections are arranged for coupling the connecting rod to an element of the drive mechanism. For this purpose, in embodiments, the distal sections are each provided with a coupling structure. The coupling structures in one embodiment are pins protruding in a perpendicular direction from the distal sections. In other embodiments, the distal sections are each provided with an opening, wherein the two openings together function as a bearing, in particular a bearing for a hinge pin or a similar element. At a circumference of the openings, in one embodiment a protruding rim or chamfer is provided, which functions as a bearing or positioning aid for the element coupled to the connecting rod. Due to the connection of the proximal sections in the circumferential direction, the two coupling structures remain aligned upon handling of the connector. In one embodiment, the distal sections are also at least partly connected in the circumferential direction. In other embodiments, the distal sections are separated from each other to allow an insertion of an element, which is to be coupled with the connecting rod, between the two parallel distal sections.
The elongated profile in one embodiment is made of lightweight metal, in particular made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The connector preferably differs in material and/or material thickness to ensure a higher stiffness. In one embodiment, the connector is made of steel.
In one embodiment, the two lugs are each manufactured as a plate-shaped element, wherein the proximal sections are connected for example by means of a further plate-shaped element, which is welded to the proximal sections. In an alternative embodiment, the two lugs are provided on a common tubular base profile, wherein one end of the tubular base profile is slit for forming two distal sections separated by a gap. The opposite end of the tubular base profile forms the hollow structural part comprising the two proximal sections.
In other embodiments, at least one of the elongated profile and the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs has a rectangular cross-section having two long sides and two narrow sides. In one embodiment, the two lugs are provided on a common tubular base profile having a rectangular cross-section with two long sides and two narrow sides, wherein at one end of the tubular base profile, the narrow sides are partly or entirely removed for forming two distal sections separated by a gap.
In one embodiment, the cross-sections of the elongated profile and the hollow structural part of the connector are geometrically similar allowing an insertion of the first end of the elongated profile into the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections or - in case the elongated profile is a hollow profile - an insertion of the proximal sections into the first end of the elongated profile, wherein the proximal sections are glued to the elongated profile.
In embodiments, the elongated profile is a hollow profile, in particular a casted aluminum profile.
In one embodiment, the connector and the elongated hollow profile are connected with each other via an intermediate element, wherein a first end of the intermediate element is inserted in the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs and a second end of the intermediate element is inserted in the elongated hollow profile. The intermediate element in one embodiment is made of aluminum or steel, or any other metal or non-metal material, wherein in particular the material is chosen such that a glue connection of the intermediate element with both the connector and the elongated profile is possible. In one embodiment, the intermediate element is a casted element made of aluminum. The intermediate element in one embodiment is a hollow part, in other embodiments it is a solid part to ensure a sufficient material strength. By means of the intermediate element, the connector can be attached to the elongated hollow profile, such that the connector is arranged in close proximity to the elongated hollow profile without overlap.
In one embodiment, a cross-section of the elongated hollow profile and a cross-section of the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs are equal in shape and size. In this case, an intermediate element having mirror symmetry can be provided.
In other embodiments, a cross-section of the elongated hollow profile and a cross-section of the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs differ in shape and/or in size. In this case, an intermediate element having two different opposing ends is provided, wherein cross-sections of the opposing ends of the intermediate element are adapted to the cross-section of the elongated hollow profile and a cross-section of the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs, respectively.
In one embodiment, a center line of the elongated hollow profile is not aligned with a center line of the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs. The intermediate element is arranged to allow a connection of the elongated hollow profile and structural parts having unaligned center lines. In one embodiment, the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs and the elongated hollow profile differ in height, wherein lower ends of the elongated hollow profile and the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs are aligned.
In one embodiment, the intermediate element is provided with a separation element for a defined positioning of the intermediate element in the first end of the elongated hollow profile and in the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs. The separation element forms two end stops for limiting an insertion of the intermediate element into the first end of the elongated hollow profile and into the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs.
In one embodiment, the intermediate element is connected using screws to at least one of the elongated hollow profile and the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs. In other embodiments, the intermediate element is glued to the first end of the elongated hollow profile and to the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs.
In embodiments, the connecting rod is provided with only one connector or is provided with two connectors, which differ in type. In other embodiments, two connectors are provided, which are attached to the first end and a second end of the elongated profile, respectively, wherein each connector comprises two lugs, each lug having a plate-shaped distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal sections are aligned in parallel with one another and are arranged for connecting the connecting rod to an element of the drive mechanism, and wherein the proximal sections are at least partly connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the connector and together form a completely or at least partly circumferentially closed hollow structural part. The two connectors and the two intermediate elements can be chosen identical in design so that the number of different parts necessary for manufacturing the connecting rod is limited.
According to a second aspect, a method for manufacturing a connecting rod for a drive mechanism for a harness frame of a weaving machine is provided, which connecting rod comprises an elongated profile with a first end and a connector attached to the first end of the elongated profile, wherein the connector comprising two lugs, each lug having a plate-shaped distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal sections are aligned in parallel with one another and are arranged for connecting the connecting rod to an element of the drive mechanism, and wherein the proximal sections are at least partly connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the connector and together form a completely or at least partly circumferentially closed hollow structural part, and wherein the connector is obtained from a tubular base profile.
In one embodiment, the connector is obtained from a tubular base profile having a rectangular cross-section, wherein the tubular base profile in one embodiment is machined for providing two distal sections separated by a gap. In addition or in alternative, a free end of the distal sections is machined for obtaining a desired shape.
In one embodiment, the elongated profile is a hollow profile, wherein the connector and the elongated hollow profile are connected with each other via an intermediate element, wherein a first end of the intermediate element is inserted in the hollow structural part formed by the proximal sections of the lugs and a second end of the intermediate element is inserted in the elongated hollow profile.
The method in one embodiment further comprises a step of glueing the connector and/or the elongated hollow profile to the intermediate element.
According to a third aspect, a drive mechanism for a harness frame of a weaving machine is provided, which comprises at least one connecting rod as described above and/or which is manufactured according to a method as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, an embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1: shows a drive mechanism according to the invention;
Fig. 2: shows a connecting rod according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3: shows the connecting rod of Fig. 2 in an exploded view;
Fig. 4: shows in an enlarged scale a detail of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5: shows a connecting rod according to a second embodiment of the invention in an exploded view;
Fig. 6: shows a connector, an intermediate element and an end of a hollow profile of a third embodiment of a connecting rod in an exploded view;
Fig. 7: shows the embodiment of Fig. 6 in mounted state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 shows a part of shed-forming device 1 for a weaving machine with a harness frame 2 and a drive mechanism 3 for the harness frame 2. In a weaving machine, a number of harness frames 2 and an equal number of drive mechanisms 3 are provided. For example, one drive mechanism 3 is assigned to one harness frame 2 and is driven by a drive motor 4. Each harness frame 2 can move between an upper position and a lower position.
The drive mechanism 3 for driving the harness frame 2 as shown in Fig. 1 comprises a crank 10 rotating about a crank axis 5, a connecting rod 11, and a first swivel lever 12 rotating about a first swivel axis 6. The first swivel lever 12 has a first arm 15, a second arm 16 and a third arm 17. The drive mechanism 3 further comprises a second swivel lever 13 rotating about a second swivel axis 7. The second swivel lever 13 has a first arm 18 and a second arm 19. The drive mechanism 3 further comprises a connecting rod 14 connecting the first arm 15 of the first swivel lever 12 to the first arm 18 of the second swivel lever 13, so that the second swivel lever 13 moves conjointly with the first swivel lever 12. The connecting rod 11 is connected to the third arm 17 of the first swivel lever 12 via a mounting element 8, which mounting element 8 can slide along the third arm 17 and is fixable in position at the third arm 17. The connecting rod 11 is linked to the crank 10 by a linkage joint 30, which linkage joint 30 is arranged eccentric to the crank axis 5. Further, the connecting rod 11 is linked via the mounting element 8 to the third arm 17 of the swivel lever 12 by a hinged joint 31.
The harness frame 2 is coupled to the second arm 16 of the swivel lever 12 by means of a connecting rod 20 and a guiding element 21 that is guided in the weaving machine. The second arm 19 of the second swivel lever 13 is connected via a connecting rod 22 and a guiding element 23 to the harness frame 2. The guiding elements 21, 23 are preferably made of a lightweight metal, for example an aluminum alloy.
Further, the first swivel lever 12 is linked to the connecting rod 20 by a first hinged joint 34, which connecting rod 20 is linked by a second hinged joint 35 to the guiding element 21. Similarly, the second swivel lever 13 is linked to the connecting rod 22 by a first hinged joint 36, which connecting rod 22 is linked by a second hinged joint 37 to the guiding element 23.
The first swivel lever 12 is linked to the connecting rod 14 by a first hinged joint 32, while the second swivel lever 13 is linked to the connecting rod 14 by a second hinged joint 33.
One, several or each of the connecting rods 11, 14, 20, 22 can be designed as a lightweight connecting rod comprising an elongated profile and one connector or two connectors attached to the elongated profile as described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 2 to 7. Preferably, at least the connecting rod 14 connecting the first swivel lever 12 to the second swivel lever 13 is designed as a lightweight connecting rod 14 comprising an elongated hollow profile 40 and two connectors 41, 43. The connector 41 is attached to the first end 42 of the hollow profile 40 and the connector 43 is attached to the second end 44 of the hollow profile 40. The hollow profile 40 is made for example of aluminum alloy.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a fixation element 38 is provided on the connecting rod 14 for cooperating with a stabilizer (not shown). In other embodiments, no stabilizer is provided. In alternative, in one embodiment the hollow profile 40 is deformed for example by hydroforming or in any other appropriate way, such that a height of the connecting rod 14 in the movement direction of the harness frame 2 is larger at a middle section, for example as known from BE 1016228 A3 .
In the context of the application the crank 10, the first swivel lever 12, the second swivel lever 13 and the guiding elements 21, 23 are also referred to as elements 10, 12, 13, 21, 23 of the drive mechanism 3.
Embodiments of the connecting rod 14 are shown in more detail in Figs. 2 to 7.
Figs. 2 and 3 show a connecting rod 14 according to a first embodiment of the invention in a perspective view and in an exploded view, respectively. Fig. 4 shows a detail of Fig. 3 in enlarged scale in a different perspective view.
As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the connecting rod 14 comprises a hollow profile 40 with an oblong cross-section having two long sides 45, 46 and two narrow sides 47, 48. The hollow profile 40 has a first end 42 and a second end 44, wherein a connector 41 is attached to the first end 42 and a connector 43 is attached to the second end 44.
In the embodiment shown, each connector 41, 43 is connected to the hollow profile 40 via an intermediate element 53. The connectors 41, 43 are made for example of steel and the intermediate elements 53 and the hollow profile 40 are made for example of aluminum or aluminum alloy.
In the embodiment shown, each connector 41, 43 comprises two lugs 51, 52. Each lug 51, 52 has a plate-shaped distal section 54, 56 and a proximal section 55, 57.
The distal sections 54, 56 of the two lugs 51, 52 of each connector 41, 43 are aligned in parallel with one another and are arranged for coupling the connecting rod 14 to a further element, for example to the swivel levers 12, 13 shown in Fig. 1. For this purpose, in embodiment shown, the distal sections 54, 56 are each provided with an opening 58, 59, wherein the two openings 58, 59 of one connector 41, 43 together function as a bearing, in particular a bearing for a hinge pin or a similar element.
The proximal sections 55, 57 of the two lugs 51, 52 of one connector 41, 43 are connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the connector 41, 43 and together form a completely closed hollow structural part 50.
In the embodiment shown, the connectors 41, 43 are each obtained from a tubular base profile having a rectangular cross-section with two long sides and two narrow sides, wherein in the region of the distal sections 54, 56 the tubular base profile is machined such that portions of the narrow sides are removed for providing two distal sections 54, 56 separated by a gap. After this machining a connector 41, 43 comprising a hollow structural part 50 having long sides 65, 66 and narrow sides 67, 68 remains. In addition, a free end of the distal sections 54, 56 is machined for obtaining a desired shape, for example a rounded end as shown in Figs. 2 to 4.
In the embodiment shown, the elongated hollow profile 40 and the hollow structural part 50 of the connector 41, 43 formed by the proximal sections 55, 57 of the lugs 51, 52 each have a rectangular cross-section, however, the rectangular cross-sections differ in size. In particular, a height of the two long sides 65, 66 of the proximal sections 55, 57 of the connectors 41, 43 is smaller than a height of the two long sides 45, 46 of the elongated hollow profile 40, and for example, the width of the two narrow sides 67, 68 of the proximal sections 55, 57 of the connectors 41, 43 is almost the same as a width of the two narrow sides 47, 48 of the hollow profile 40. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the lower sides of the two connectors 41, 43 and the lower side of hollow profile 40 are aligned, wherein the intermediate elements 53 function as adapters. In this embodiment, the center line 70 of the elongated hollow profile 40 is not aligned with a center line 71, 73 of the hollow structural parts 50 formed by the proximal sections 55, 57 of the lugs 51, 52. The intermediate elements 53 have a shape that has no mirror symmetry.
For attaching the connectors 41, 43 to the hollow profile 40 a first end 61 of the intermediate element 53 is inserted into the hollow structural part 50 formed by the proximal sections 55, 57 of the lugs 51, 52 and a second end 62 of the intermediate element 53 is inserted into the hollow profile 40. Between the first end 61 and the second end 62 of the intermediate element 53 a separation element 63 is provided, which in use is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connecting rod 14, wherein a first side of the separation element 63 facing the first end 61 functions as an end stop for the connectors 41, 43 and a second side of the separation element 63 functions as an end stop for the hollow profile 40 for a defined positioning of the intermediate element 53 in the hollow structural part 50 formed by the proximal sections 55, 57 of the lugs 51, 52 and in the first end 42 of the hollow profile 40. The connector 41, 43 is attached to the hollow profile 40 in the prolongation of the hollow profile 40 and is arranged in close proximity to the hollow profile 40, wherein a distance between a free end of the elongated hollow profile 40 and the proximal section of the lugs 51, 52 depends on a thickness of the separation element 63. The separation element 63 has a surface 64 covering an end 42, 44 of the hollow profile 40 next to the hollow structural part 50, which surface 64 is formed as the first end 61 and the second end 62 differ in size and are arranged mutually offset with respect to the separation element 63.
The intermediate elements 53 are fixed to the first end 42 and the second end 44 of the hollow profile 40 and the hollow structural part 50 formed by the proximal sections 55, 57 of the lugs 51, 52 by glueing.
Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a connecting rod 14 in an exploded view. The connecting rod 14 shown in Fig. 5 is similar to the one shown in Figs. 2 and 3. More particular, the connecting rod 14 shown in Fig. 5 is manufactured from the same elements as the connecting rod 14 shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and for same elements, same reference signs are used. For a detailed description of these elements, reference is made to above.
The embodiment shown in Fig. 5 differs from the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3 in that the intermediate elements 53 are rotated by 180° about a longitudinal axis of the connecting rod 14, such that the upper sides of the two connectors 41, 43 and the upper side of the elongated hollow profile 40 are aligned.
Figs. 6 and 7 shows in an unmounted state and a mounted state, respectively, a connector 41, an intermediate element 53 and a first end 42 of an elongated hollow profile 40 of a third embodiment of a connecting rod 11, 14, 20, 22. The connecting rod 11, 14, 20, 22 shown in Figs. 6 and 7 is similar to the one shown in Figs. 2 and 3, and for the identical or similar elements the same reference signs are used. For a detailed description of these elements, reference is made to above.
In contrast to the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 6 and 7 the hollow profile 40 and the hollow structural part 50 formed by the proximal sections 55, 57 of the lugs 51, 52 have the same height and are connected to each other via the intermediate element 53 such that their center lines 70, 71 are aligned, in particular the center line 70 of the elongated hollow profile 40 is aligned with the center line 71 of the hollow structural part 50.
In the embodiments shown, the hollow profile 40 and the hollow structural part 50 formed by the proximal sections 55, 57 of the lugs 51, 52 each have a rectangular cross-section. As best can be seen in Figs. 3, 5 and 6, at inner surfaces of the hollow profile 40 ribs 75 are provided, which protrude towards an interior space of the hollow profile 40. The second end 62 of the intermediate element 53, which is inserted into the first end 42 of the hollow profile 40 is adapted to the design of the inner surfaces of the hollow profile 40. The first end 61 of the intermediate element 53, which is inserted into the hollow structural part 50, is adapted to the design of the inner surfaces of the hollow structural part 50. In the embodiments shown, the hollow structural part 50 formed by the proximal sections 55, 57 of the lugs 51, 52 has smooth inner surfaces, and the first end 61 of the intermediate element 53, which is inserted into said hollow structural part 50, has also smooth surfaces. In other embodiments the hollow structural part 50 can have ribs at inner surfaces and/or the hollow profile 40 can have smooth surfaces. In other embodiments, the first end 61 and the second end 62 of the intermediate element 53 are identical in design.
In the embodiments shown, the connecting rod 14 has a connector 41, 43 provided at each side of the elongated hollow profile 40 of the connecting rod 14. Each connector 41, 43 has openings 58, 59 configured to cooperate with a hinged joint 32, 33, shown in Fig. 1. Similarly, the connecting rods 20, 22 can have a connector 41, 43 provided at each side of the connecting rod 20, 22 that is configured to cooperate with a hinged joint 34, 35, 36, 37, shown in Fig. 1. The connecting rod 11, for example, can have only one connector 41 provided at one side of the connecting rod 11 configured to cooperate with the hinged joint 31, shown in Fig. 1. The embodiment of Figs. 6 and 7 with an intermediate element 53 having mirror symmetry are in particular suitable for the connecting rods 11, 20, 22, while an intermediate element 53 having no mirror symmetry as shown in the embodiments of Figs. 2 to 5 is more suitable for a connecting rod 14.
The connecting rod, the method and the drive mechanism according to the invention are not limited to the embodiments described by way of example and illustrated in the drawings. Alternatives and combinations of the described and illustrated embodiments that fall under the claims are also possible.

Claims

Connecting rod for a drive mechanism (3) for a harness frame (2) of a weaving machine comprising an elongated profile (40) with a first end (42), and a connector (41) attached to the first end (42) of the elongated profile (40), wherein the connector (41) comprises two lugs (51, 52), each lug (51, 52) having a plate-shaped distal section (54, 56) and a proximal section (55, 57), wherein the distal sections (54, 56) are aligned in parallel with one another and are arranged for coupling the connecting rod (11, 14, 20, 22) to an element (10, 12, 13, 21, 23) of the drive mechanism (3), characterized in that the proximal sections (55, 57) are at least partly connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the connector (41) and together form a completely or at least partly circumferentially closed hollow structural part (50).
Connecting rod according to claim 1, characterized in that the two lugs (51, 52) are provided on a common tubular base profile, wherein one end of the tubular base profile is slit for forming two distal sections (54, 56) separated by a gap .
Connecting rod according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elongated profile (40) has a rectangular cross-section having two long sides (45, 46) and two narrow sides (47, 48).
Connecting rod according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the hollow structural part (50) formed by the proximal sections (55, 57) of the lugs (51, 52) has a rectangular cross-section having two long sides (65, 66) and two narrow sides (67, 68).
Connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elongated profile (40) is a hollow profile.
Connecting rod according to claim 5, characterized in that the connector (41) and the elongated hollow profile (40) are connected with each other via an intermediate element (53), wherein a first end (61) of the intermediate element (53) is inserted in the hollow structural part (50) formed by the proximal sections (55, 57) of the lugs (51, 52) and a second end (62) of the intermediate element (53) is inserted in the elongated hollow profile (40).
Connecting rod according to claim 6, characterized in that a cross-section of the elongated hollow profile (40) and a cross-section of the hollow structural part (50) formed by the proximal sections (55, 57) of the lugs (51, 52) differ in shape and/or in size, wherein in particular the intermediate element (53) has two different opposing ends (61, 62).
Connecting rod according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a center line (70) of the elongated hollow profile (40) is not aligned with a center line (71, 73) of the hollow structural part (50) formed by the proximal sections (55, 57) of the lugs (51, 52).
Connecting rod according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the intermediate element (53) is provided with a separation element (63) for a defined positioning of the intermediate element (53) in the first end (42) of the elongated hollow profile (40) and in the hollow structural part (50) formed by the proximal sections (55, 57) of the lugs (51, 52).
Connecting rod according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the intermediate element (53) is glued to the first end (42) of the elongated hollow profile (40) and to the hollow structural part (50) formed by the proximal sections (55, 57) of the lugs (51, 52).
Connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that two connectors (41, 43) are provided, which are attached to the first end (42) and a second end (44) of the elongated profile (40), respectively, wherein each connector (41, 43) comprises two lugs (51, 52), each lug (51, 52) having a plate-shaped distal section (54, 56) and a proximal section (55, 57), wherein the distal sections (54, 56) are aligned in parallel with one another and are arranged for connecting the connecting rod (11, 14, 20, 22) to an element (10, 12, 13, 21, 23) of the drive mechanism (3), and wherein the proximal sections (55, 57) are at least partly connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the connector (41, 43) and together form a completely or at least partly circumferentially closed hollow structural part (50).
Method for manufacturing a connecting rod (11, 14, 20, 22) for a drive mechanism (3) for a harness frame (2) of a weaving machine, which connecting rod (11, 14, 20, 22) comprises an elongated profile (40) with a first end (42) and a connector (41) attached to the first end (42) of the elongated profile (40), characterized in that the connector (41) comprising two lugs (51, 52), each lug (51, 52) having a plate-shaped distal section (54, 56) and a proximal section (55, 57), wherein the distal sections (54, 56) are aligned in parallel with one another and are arranged for connecting the connecting rod (11, 14, 20, 22) to an element (10, 12, 13, 21, 23) of the drive mechanism (3), and wherein the proximal sections (55, 57) are at least partly connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the connector (41) and together form a completely or at least partly circumferentially closed hollow structural part (50), and wherein the connector (41) is obtained from a tubular base profile.
Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the elongated profile (40) is a hollow profile, wherein the connector (41) and the elongated hollow profile (40) are connected with each other via an intermediate element (53), wherein a first end (61) of the intermediate element (53) is inserted in the hollow structural part (50) formed by the proximal sections (55, 57) of the lugs (51, 52) and a second end (62) of the intermediate element (53) is inserted in the elongated hollow profile (40).
Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the connector (41) and/or the elongated hollow profile (40) are glued to the intermediate element (53).
Drive mechanism for a harness frame of a weaving machine comprising at least one connecting rod (11, 14, 20, 22) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and/or which is manufactured according to a method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14.